The 2018 GMC Canyon

The 2018 GMC Canyon

For a few years, the GMC Canyon has been billed as the first premium midsize truck. And the 2018 GMC Canyon is poised to continue defending that legacy. The current generation of Canyon/Colorado began in 2006. That means we will soon see a complete redesign. It also means, with the Canyon nearing the end of its life, the changes for 2018 are minimal. But that’s not such a bad thing. GMC has included a few styling tweaks including new mirrors and two new colours: Marine Blue and Satin Steel. But let’s be honest, it looks better than the Colorado in any colour. However, drivers will be more interested in what’s under the hood.

Engines:

The base engine in the 2018 GMC Canyon is still the 2.5L 4-cylinder. It delivers 200 horsepower, 191 lb.-ft. of torque, and max trailering of 3,500 pounds. It’s capable and definitely fuel efficient for a pickup. But it’s the 2018 Canyon’s other two engines that will steal the show.

Next, is the 3.6L V6. It gets 308 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque. GMC has also included Active Fuel Management to reduce the number of cylinders in use when performance demands are low. That means as you pull out of your driveway, or cruise at low speeds, you aren’t wasting fuel with full 6-cylinder operation.

Last, is a Duramax 2.8L I-4 Turbo Diesel. The engine cranks out 181 horsepower and a stunning 369 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine is available on SLE models and up.

Canyon

Notably for 2018, a 7” IntelliLink Screen is replacing the standard 4.2” model. That’s a welcome adjustment that defeats the need for eye strain. And you can use it for the Rear Vision Camera that’s standard across the lineup. Obviously, it makes parking, and reversing in general, much easier. That’s particularly welcome with the Canyon being such a big small truck. All 2018 Canyons also come with projector-type LED signature headlamps. LEDs are both brighter and longer-lasting than traditional bulbs.

Canyon SLE

The 2018 Canyon SE elevates the standard of comfort and style quite quickly. Upgrades to the aluminum interior trim and soft-touch instrument panel. The Steering wheel is leather-wrapped. And Remote Keyless Entry. The SLE’s infotainment screen is 8”. It works in accordance with the 4.2” Driver Information Center. Other standard equipment includes:

Fog lamps

EZ-lift tailgate

17” Blade Silver Wheels

Auto-dimming mirror

Canyon SLT

It also comes standard with the 3.6L engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The shorter distance between gears results in smoother acceleration and improved fuel economy. The 2018 GMC Canyon SLT also comes with:

Standard Remote Start

Front heated seats

Chrome folding heated mirrors

18” Polished Aluminum Wheels

Canyon Denali

GMC Denali is the peak of professional grade. As you probably expect, the Canyon Denali will feature custom stitching and badging as well as premium interior materials. You also heated/ventilated leather seats, heated steering wheel, and burnished aluminum trims. The Canyon Denali comes with the latest safety technology, too. Lane Departure Warning keeps you centered while driving and Forward Collision Alert helps avert some life-threatening collisions by using sensors at the front of your truck. Other Denali equipment includes: